The Asia Cup 2023 will see its sixth match of the tournament between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan will face Sri Lanka on 5th September at the Gaddafi Stadium. Hashmatullah Shahidi is the skipper of Afghanistan, while Dasun Shanaka is the captain of Sri Lanka. Afghanistan is currently placed at the bottom of the points table whereas Sri Lanka is currently placed at the top.
Afghanistan played one match in this season of the Asia Cup where they lost that game while Sri Lanka also played one match in this season where they won that game. These two teams have played 8 matches against each other in this format so far where Afghanistan managed to win 3 matches while Sri Lanka won 4 games.
Also Read: Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka Match Prediction: Who Will Win 6th ODI of Asia Cup 2023?
Here are the top five players to watch out for during the Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka match:
1) Ibrahim Zadran
Afghanistan’s opening batsman, Ibrahim Zadran, showcased his class by scoring 75 runs off 74 deliveries. His knock was adorned with 10 boundaries, including 10 fours and a majestic six. Despite Afghanistan’s challenging pursuit of 335 runs, Ibrahim Zadran provided a solid foundation, forming crucial partnerships. First, he stitched a vital 78-run stand with Rahmat Shah for the second wicket, followed by a 52-run partnership alongside Hashmatullah Shahid for the third wicket. Regrettably, his remarkable effort ultimately couldn’t secure victory for his team.
2) Sadeera Samarawickrama
Sri Lanka’s Sadeera Samarawickrama displayed his prowess in the tournament’s initial stages with a composed 54-run innings, crafted over 77 deliveries and adorned with six boundaries. Samarawickrama played a pivotal role in stabilizing the chase against Bangladesh, anchoring a crucial 78-run partnership for the fourth wicket alongside Charith Asalanka. Given his fine form, expectations are high for another significant contribution in the middle order against Afghanistan.
3) Charith Asalanka
The elegant middle-order batter, Charith Asalanka, emerged as a savior in the opening game when Sri Lanka found themselves in a precarious situation, chasing 165 runs against Bangladesh. With the scoreboard reading three wickets down for just 43 runs, he showcased nerves of steel. He masterminded a pivotal 78-run partnership for the fourth wicket, in tandem with Sadeera Samarawickrama. Asalanka remained unbeaten, accumulating 62 runs from 92 balls, an innings that included five crisply struck fours and a well-timed six. His team will be banking on a repeat performance in the upcoming contest.
4) Hashmatullah Shahidi
While Hashmatullah Shahidi faced challenges with his captaincy responsibilities, particularly in terms of bowling changes and field placements, he shone with the bat alongside Ibrahim Zadran. Scoring a resilient 51 runs from 60 balls, featuring six well-timed boundaries, Shahidi played a crucial role. Together with Najibullah Zadran, he engineered a vital 62-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Fans are optimistic about Shahidi delivering another captain’s knock in the upcoming encounter against Sri Lanka.
5) Matheesha Pathirana
Young pacer Matheesha Pathirana garnered significant attention for his exceptional performance against Bangladesh. His remarkable spell, which fetched him the Player of the Match award, witnessed him claiming four wickets while conceding just 32 runs in 7.4 overs. Pathirana’s skillful and unconventional bowling action proved instrumental in bundling out Bangladesh for a mere 164 runs in 42.4 overs. As Sri Lanka faces Afghanistan, all eyes will once again be on this prodigious talent, with his distinctive slinky bowling action poised to surprise the Afghan lineup once more.